Question:
ABOUT REQUIRED TEST

IS IT POSSIBLE TO GO AHEAD & HAVE SOME OF THE REQUIRED TESTING DONE BEFORE A 1ST CONSULT WITH THE SURGEON? IE: CARDIO-PLUMO-PSHYO-UPPER GI JUST TRYING TO SPEED THINGS ALONG    — Sabrina N. (posted on June 2, 2002)

June 2, 2002
Yes it is possible to go ahead and have some of these done but usually the surgeon will re order them. Atleast mine does. The only one i would think they wouldn't re order would be the sleep apnea test if you needed it. good luck
   — tinalivesay

June 2, 2002
The only problem that you may encounter by going to the consultations first is there may be a time requirement pre-op, i.e., my consultations with pulmonary, cardiology, internist and all the labs/xrays/cardiograms had to be done within 30 days of the surgery... Do you know what your doc/hospital requirement is? It would be a shame to have to go through exams twice. Best wishes! It will be here before you know it!
   — Ann B.

June 2, 2002
It depends on your doctor. Mine doesn't have a psychologist and nutritionist that work with him, so he allows you to go to one of your choosing. My sis's doc has both a psych. and nutri. that work with him, so even if you go to another one, they require you to see theirs. Ask your doctor's office and see what they say. Good luck!
   — GGinMA

June 3, 2002
I too, thought about getting some of the pre-op testing out of the way but I didn't - and I'm glad. My surgeon required absolutely no pre-op testing other than a blood work-up. He said I'm too young to worry about my heart and he doesn't require psych testing unless you have a history of psych problems. Saved me some money!
   — Kim A.